The vehicles, which will replace some of the council’s current fleet due for replacement this year, have been provided by Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS) as part of a seven-year contract awarded in 2021.

SWT's executive member for Environmental Services, Cllr Andrew Sully, said: ‘We are focused on actions to meet our climate emergency declaration and the decarbonisation of our corporate fleet reflects this. Where possible we have selected an electric vehicle solution and for operations where this isn’t possible yet, we have opted for the latest generation of lower emission diesel technology.’

The new fleet comprises: 3 x Vauxhall eCombo’s; 1 x Skoda Karoq 4x4; 3 x Ford Rangers; 6 x Ford Transit Tippers; 2 x Kubota F391’s with Trimax Flails (Vincent Tractors); 4 x Vauxhall eCorsa’s and 1 x Isuzu N75 Arborist Tipper.

SWT adopted the Somerset Climate Emergency Strategy and approved its own Carbon Neutrality and Climate Resilience (CNCR) Action Plan in October 2020. In partnership with the four other Somerset Councils, it also has an Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy outlining the roll out of charging points across the county.

Bob Sweetland, managing director, SFS: ‘We are pleased to be working with Somerset West & Taunton Council to help achieve its carbon reduction targets. This is just the first step in creating a more sustainable fleet for the future and we look forward to continuing working together to enhance the new combined council’s vehicle provision.’